In order to make our operations more effective we have implemented “Distant Learning”. Distant learning is a formalized teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using electronic communication. Studies indicate Distant learning can be as effective as the traditional format when the methods are appropriate to the teaching tasks, there is student-teacher interaction, and the teachers provide students with appropriate and timely feedback.

There are a few different definitions of Distant Learning floating around and for our purposes we mean for it to be defined as:

· The separation of teacher and learner during at least most of the instructional process

· Separation of teacher and learner in space and/or time

· The use of educational media to unite teacher and learner and carry course content

· The provision of two-way communication between teacher, tutor, or educational agency and learner,

· Control of the learning pace by the student rather than the Distant instructor.

Operationally, officers in one part of the region go to class as normal. Officers in other parts of the region go to the Distant Learning classroom nearest them to participate in the class via technology.

This practice multiplies the presentation of a single classroom into several classrooms using the same instructor (force multiplier):

Allows officers to attend a class they normally would not have attended (time & Distance)

Decreases our training cost per officer by getting more officers in a training session

Shortens drive times- Reduces the average drive time of 45 to 60 minutes (sometimes 90) to usually no more than 10 to 30 minutes to reach a distant learning classroom.

The Distant learners see, hear and talk to the primary sites instructor and are able to see/hear interact with the officers in the Distant learning classroom(s).

Not all NICJC training classes are offered in the Distant learning format, some classes need direct instructor contact for activities such as SFST proficiency.